Bondholder Bell & Co has been acquired by national brokerage Aston Scott Group.

Bell & Co will continue to trade, and the Board of Directors will remain the same. This investment means the Derby office will become a Midlands hub for Aston Scott.

Richard Salt, Managing Director for Bell & Co, said: "In an era where scale and quality means so much to our insurer suppliers, this is great news for our existing and new customers and growing team. We are really excited that Aston Scott are backing us and our staff with ambitious growth plans.

"Derby has in my view needed a broker of this scale for some time. It is what we have been aspiring to and we are proud to achieve this through everyone’s hard work and now Aston Scott's support."